George Mason University Top Questions

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would change perspectives. I would tell myself to take my education seriously. One should value every opportunity because they may soon disappear with the wind. I would invest in more financial readiness classes and a budget so that I can anticipate what lies ahead when living the life of a college student. I would mention joining the Armed Forces so that I can gain valuable career experience, see the world, and to learn more about cultural and community relations using my education. I would also emphasize the importance of giving back to one's family as well as to the community. Volunteering is one important aspect that improves a person's self worth and personal growth. I would also provide the younger me with more avenues to connect with community resources so that I can be able to handle my future that currently consists of single parenthood, a career, life choices, relocation with the military, familial relationships, conflict resolution, continuing education, financial issues, and dealing with two teenagers that have been diagnosed with special needs. A strong college education can enhance my quality of life for the better.

Knowing what I know now, I would have told myself to be prepared for homesickness. I knew that going to school across the country would be difficult, but I didn't expect to be missing home as much as I did during my first semester. I also would have told myself to get as involved as possible in different student organizations and to meet as many people as possible. I also would have made more of an effort to go to Washington D.C. and do more sightseeing so I became more familiar with Virginia and the Washington D.C. area. In high school, I didn't realize that making friends and a social life was not the same in college. Students have to make more of an effort to talk to people and make friends. It is easiear to meet friends while joining student organizations rather than in class. Also, on a large campus like George Mason University, it takes more effort to become involved and stay informed on the different activities that were on campus. Most of all, I would tell myself that everyone feels a sense of nostalgia and apprehension for the future.

Even knowing what I know now about not only college life but myself I don't think there would be anything I could say to make the trasition easier. Going though that trasition is what has helped me grow considerably and get me though college life. Also, I was fortunate enough to have done summer camps and programms which required me to stay in dormatories and places that were not familar making the transition smooth. However, If I had to give advise to myself I would say to keep on doing what I am doing and always strive for the best.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the best advice that I would give to myself would be that I should be prepared to face different people with diverse backgrounds and thinking. In high school not many people think that they will ever have to deal with people that they do not get along with but that is completely wrong. In college one is exposed to copious types of people and professors that sometimes cannot be avoided so the only thing that one can do is to work with them and get along. Keeping an open mind is vital to surviving college because one will constanly be exposed to communication between people. Therefore, keeping your mind open and inviting to different views is crucial and the best advice that will make one successful in college.

Throughout High School I was a Pretty laid back kid, this was especially true for my senior year. I did pretty well in all my classes without having to put fourth an extreme amount of effort. However as I look back at myself now, being a high school graduate, I have many things I would want to tell my former self. The number one thing would be to FOCUS! I see now that your potential to do great things is higher than you ever realize in that moment. I would tell myself to just give it that one extra step, and it will take you farther than you can imagine. When you are at the college level, all you have is your potential, and it is up to you to take advantage of it. College is a tough enviroment, but if you focus and create good habits now, there is no limit to were it can take you.

Most high school seniors cannot wait to get into college where they live away from home and are free from parents instructing them. I was in boarding school for some part of high school and so living with strangers from all over the world in college is not entirely new to me. I have learned to open up and respect people and their cultures or ways of living, but also to be firm and not compromise my beliefs. One thing I would advise is not be in a hurry to grow up. Many college students go out and party, get drunk and engage in various daring activities all in the name of freedom and growing up; becoming legal and no longer having to answer to parents. I have seen that this lifestyle brings misery, though people claim to be temporarily happy. It is important to relax and have fun in college and not spent every waking minute studying. There is a balance between the two. Do not take moving on to college as a license to party and wild living. College is just one stage of life. Hopefully, you will have your whole life ahead of you to grow up.

I would tell myself two lessons I learned just from one semester's worth. Firstly, choose your friends wisely as these can either bless or destroy your future. Many people say that these friends become your best friends in life so let them be good influences and friends to you. Secondly, grades are not the most important aspect of college, but they are extremely important. Be active in college; join clubs/organizations, find internships, but above all, have fun and enjoy life. Get the good grades but also live a balanced lifestyle of work and fun.

If I could travel back in time and discuss with my past self the things that he should do, I would be talking for days. Firstly, research what school is going to cost you. Don't give in to what people say about college. It does not pay for itself. Secondly, quit playing video games. Now. In the future you will spend lots of time and money trying to fix a big video game addiction problem. They completely destroy your first 2 semesters of school and consequently even more time, because you will have to make up for your mistakes. Thirdly, spend some time trying to mature. It is a very lonely college career for a mamma's boy. No one should be willing to help you, if you are so incredibly willing to NOT help them. There must be some give and take in all relationships. Lastly, understand that you will discover how much you love learning. Don't be so reluctant to believe that it is not for you. You truly do love to learn. That is the largest amount of advice I would give to myself. Please forward this to 2006 Blake.

You better start getting much better study habits this year, becuase skating by in college is not going to cut it like it did in high school. You need to stop just relying on memory to pass these tests in college, because there is a whole lot more going on in college, and it is harder to stay focus in class. Get into the habit of speding an extra hour studying everynight, instead of just going out and smoking with your friends, becuase that won't get you anywhere in life. You need to start preparing now, becuase all the habits that you start to form this year will spill over into your Freshman year of college, and its already hard enough, so you don't need to keep feeding yourself these disadvantages. I know you probably won't listen to any of the advice I'm giving you, but hey what do I know. This is only the same advice that my mom had been giving me for years and I failed to take it during my time in high school, which is whey I'm telling your from an older presepective, mommas always right!

As graduate, nears college may seem a little intimidating, but it's not as scary as it seems. Professors respect you when you respect them, as do other students. However, you should never silence yourself when you know what has to be said. Sometimes, people may laugh or not understand you, but don't let that stop you. Doing the right thing doesn't always make sense to others. Stand your ground and hold fast to your convictions of faith, right, and wrong. Be willing to go out on a limb and risk everything if the time comes. You be tempted to think that college is a dark and dangerous land, especially considering my warnings. But, while it may be uncertain at times, it is not as bad as you probably think. College is a wonderful experience to grow and impact others. You will meet people struggling. Reach out to them. Don't be afraid to pour your life into theirs. There will be hard times - late nights of study or difficult friendships - but those things don't have to destroy or define you. Instead, let them shape you into the woman you know God wants you to be.